"Lowering Emissions in Asia’s Forests (LEAF), supported by USAID/RDMA, aims to strengthen the capacity of target countries to achieve meaningful and sustained reductions in GHG emissions from the forestry-land use sector while assisting them in benefitting from the emerging international REDD+ framework.

LEAF employs a regional approach to promote best practices, build technical capacity, facilitate regional platforms for information sharing, and develop scientifically-based forest monitoring systems. Specific focus will be placed on assessing, improving, and implementing REDD+- related forest policies; improving forest management; and encouraging equitable sharing of REDD+ benefits. The program will tailor its priorities based on strategic opportunities in target countries that complement ongoing or proposed REDD+ initiatives funded by USAID missions, other donors, the private sector, and local communities. It will partner, collaborate, and leverage resources from governments, the private sector, NGOs, and tenure holders to reduce GHG emissions and achieve program objectives.

Target countries for this activity include Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Innovative practices will be shared with and replicated in additional countries in the region."